Leadership changes

Lee Hartman, Fort Bend Herald
ROSENBERG – Lee Hartman, a third-generation member of a Texas newspaper family, has been named editor and publisher of the Fort Bend Herald, according to Clyde C. King, Jr., president of Hartman Newspapers, L.P.
Hartman, 50, is starting his 26th year at The Herald, having worked in the pressroom, as an assistant photographer, an advertising sales representative and as general manager before assuming the editor and publisher’s job.
“Lee basically grew up at The Herald and has worked in all phases of the business,” King said. “We’re delighted to see him take on his new responsibility.”
He is the grandson of the late Fred Hartman, who was editor and publisher of The Baytown Sun for 37 years. Lee’s dad, Bill, was editor and publisher of the Beaumont Enterprise and Journal from 1970 until 1974, when he established Hartman Newspapers, Inc., a Texas-based community newspaper company, which included the Richmond-Rosenberg Herald-Coaster.
Hartman is a native of Baytown and attended school in Beaumont before moving to Richmond in 1977. He is a 1985 graduate of Lamar Consolidated and attended Baylor University from 1985 until 1990 on a golf scholarship.
After college he played on the Jordan and Texas professional golf tours for two years.
He is married to Shannon Kelley Hartman and they have two children, Drew, a freshman at TCU, and Kate, a junior at George Ranch High School. They live in Greatwood.
Hartman Newspapers is a family company that owns and manages 12 newspaper and printing companies.

David Compton, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
NEW BRAUNFELS – David Compton has taken the helm as publisher of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
Coming from the publisher post at the Del Rio News-Herald, Compton has more than 20 years of experience in the newspaper industry, starting as an advertising account executive. He since has served in many capacities, including several stints as publisher.
He was named publisher of the News-Herald in January. His family includes his wife, Brianne, and son Noah, 16. They also share their lives and home with his mom, Pamela. For several years they have also found joy opening their home to foster children.
“The dynamic growth and rich tradition of New Braunfels make this a dream opportunity for me and my family,” Compton said. “It is an exciting time to come and serve a community that is in the midst of an evolution.”
“David Compton is a proven publisher with a great track record,” said Dolph Tillotson, president of Southern Newspapers, Inc., parent company of both the Herald-Zeitung and the News-Herald. “New Braunfels is one of the most dynamic markets in Texas. Our company is looking forward to the newspaper’s growth as New Braunfels grows.”
“The Herald-Zeitung has told the life story of New Braunfels for over 164 years through award-winning coverage,” Compton said. “Our goal will be to continue that quality of work while introducing some new coverage and marketing solutions that will help local business grow and keep citizens informed.”
Southern Newspapers, Inc., is a Houston-based, family-owned Texas corporation. It operates 15 newspapers: 11 in Texas, three in Alabama and one in Tennessee.

Sonya Timpone, Cuero Record and Yorktown News-View
CUERO – Cuero Record and Yorktown News-View general manager Sonya Timpone is taking on a new leadership role as longtime publisher Glenn Rea becomes publisher-emeritus.
Timpone has been with both newspapers for the past nine years as advertising representative and more recently as advertising director and general manager.
Along with her responsibilities at the newspapers, Timpone has served on the Cuero Main Street board of directors, as an officer in the Pilot Club of Cuero and as a member of the Pet Adoptions of Cuero board of directors.
She is also a director for Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.
Timpone has three children attending Cuero schools.
“I am confident in Sonya and the staff’s ability to meet the challenges ahead,” Rea said. “I will continue to help as needed, just on a reduced schedule.”
Rea became publisher of The Cuero Record in 1987 and in 1995, Yorktown News-View became part of that newspaper family. Both newspapers are now a part of Moser Community Media, which owns about 30 newspapers in Texas.

Sandra Castillo, Del Rio News-Herald
DEL RIO – Sandra Castillo, a newspaper veteran and an experienced business woman, has been named advertising director/general manager of the Del Rio News-Herald.
She succeeds David Compton, now publisher of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
Castillo’s experience with the newspaper goes back 14 years, spending the last four as head of the marketing department. “Sandra has been a solid performer for our company for many years. She is talented, energetic and committed to producing a great newspaper for Del Rio. We’re lucky to have her,” said Southern Newspapers President, Dolph Tillotson.
Castillo’s experience includes retail at the management level for 10 years, as well as becoming a Texas real estate agent since 2007. She is currently a member of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program; serves as public relations director of the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and as a member of the Del Rio Board of Realtors.
“My love for Del Rio and the News-Herald runs very deep,” Castillo said. “The newspaper is in a great place right now and we have many great things in store for the future.”
“Sandra is an experienced member of the News-Herald team and her passion for Del Rio and the newspaper is extremely evident,” Compton said. “She will do a great job continuing the momentum every member of this team has worked hard to create over the past year.”
Originally from San Antonio, Castillo has called Del Rio home for 28 years and has raised her three children in Del Rio.

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